Technopark Phase 4 is Going to be a Transformative IT Ecosystem: Ex CEO Col Sanjeev Nair

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:

Col Sanjeev Nair (Retd), the recently stepped-down CEO of Technopark, has stated that Technopark Phase 4 is envisioned as the next transformative IT ecosystem, with a significant portion of land available on the campus.

During Technopark’s official vodcast series ‘Aspire: Stories of Innovation’, Col Nair said that a master plan has already been established to create a supportive, forward-thinking ecosystem on the Phase 4 campus.

“We already have the presence of the Digital University of Kerala in Phase 4; we have categorised zones on the campus,” he said. 

A special zone for the Global Capability Centre (GCC) clusters is being developed as a comprehensive offshore unit for multinational corporations (MNCs). This zone will feature facilities for innovation, research, and development (R&D). 

Some of the exciting projects planned for Phase 4 include Spacepark, the MSME Centre, Unity Mall, and the Kerala Startup Mission’s (KSUM) Emerging Technology Hub. Additionally, TCS is expanding its activities on the campus.

Col Nair stated that Technopark has evolved into an ecosystem enabler with the right balance of technology and ecology.

“In addition to the approximately 500 companies based in the park, several verticals of Kerala’s IT sector are represented in Technopark,” Col Nair said. 

“These include DUK, KSUM, Spacepark, and the ICT Academy of Kerala, contributing to a robust macro ecosystem. He noted that significant activity is expected in this ecosystem over the next 3 to 5 years.”

He discussed the potential of Thiruvananthapuram in the space and defence sectors, pointing out that the state capital is one of the most strategically important cities in the country. 

The presence of key strategic assets such as ISRO, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), the Southern Air Command, Vizhinjam Port, BrahMos, Spacepark, and the Pangode Military Camp, along with the proposed Maritime Theatre Command, positions Thiruvananthapuram as a promising technological hub for space and defence.

The Kerala Defence Innovation Zone (KDIZ), a collaborative initiative between Technopark and KSUM, was established to harness the potential of the defence sector by increasing the visibility of Kerala startups within this domain.

Col. Nair noted that Technopark, in partnership with KSUM, has facilitated interactions between startups and defence organisations, leading more companies to focus on these strategically important sectors—a shift from previous trends.

Col. Sanjeev Nair stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of Technopark on January 9, 2026, after a three-year tenure dedicated to consolidation, expansion, and enhancing institutional preparedness.